Newfoundland
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 Description:
Newfoundlands are strong, heavy coated, large
working dogs well known for their sweet and gentle
disposition. Most agree the breed originated in
Newfoundland, although its ancestry is up for
debate. Some believe he descended from the Great
Pyrenees or perhaps from dogs indigenous to the
island and big black Viking bear dogs. It's also
said the Newfoundland may be related to the Labrador
Retriever.
The Newfoundland is a true working dog. His tasks
include pulling nets for fishermen and hauling
loads as a pack horse. They were and still are
used as a lifeguard because of their size, great
strength, lung capacity and excellent swimming
ability.
The Newfoundland was recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1886 and is categorized in the
Sporting Group.
Height: The
average height for an adult Newfoundland male
is 28 inches (71.1 cm) and the average height
for an adult female is 26 inches (66 cm)
Weight: The
weight for an adult Newfoundland male can range
between 130 to 150 pounds, (59-68 kg) and for
a female between 100 and 120 pounds (45-54 kg).
Coat Type: Newfoundlands
have a thick double coat which is water resistant.
The outer coat is coarse, moderately long and
can be straight or have a slight wave. The undercoat
is dense and soft. Newfoundlands shed in the spring
and fall. To keep the coat in good condition,
brush daily or at least weekly with a long tooth
steel comb and a wire slicker brush with bristles
bent at the end.
Color: The color
of the Newfoundland's coat can be black, brown,
gray and white & black (AKC standard).
Temperament:
The most well known characteristic of the Newfoundland
breed is their sweet, kind, benevolent nature.
These dogs are incredibly patient, gentle and
playful with children. Newfoundlands are obedient,
devoted and eager to please its master. They are
courageous and will protect their family. All
those who pose no threat to the family are warmly
welcomed by a Newfoundland. Obedience training
should be introduced early - two months of age
is considered ideal. Training should be done in
a calm, confident, consistent and positive manner.
Newfoundlands are very intelligent. This breed
loves to be outdoors and love to swim (have webbed
feet). Newfoundlands are active and enjoy to frolic
and take daily walks.
Health Concerns: Newfoundlands
are prone to hip / elbow dysplasia and hereditary
heart disease called sub-aortic stenosis (SAS)
which can cause sudden death at a young age. They
are also prone to cystinuria which is an inherited
metabolic disorder that results in the excessive
excretion of certain amino acids, esp. cystine,
in the urine which can sometimes cause formations
of stones in the urinary tract.
Special Interest:
• The Newfoundland is also referred to as
Newf, Newfie and Black bear. This breed is known
as "The Gentle Giant" because of its
incredibly sweet and kind disposition.
• Presidents James Buchanan, Rutherford
B. Hayes and Ulysses S. Grant were all owners
of a Newfoundland.
• The Newfoundland has webbed feet.
Classifications:
AKC: Working Group
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Working
FCI: Group 2 - Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Guardian
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